EDITOR’S NOTE: Cold case stories highlight an unsolved crime every month as part of an effort by the Greater Peoria Area CrimeStoppers and Peoria police to solicit fresh information on dormant investigations.

PEORIA — Family and friends of Brandon Thomas convened on the ninth of each month from spring through fall last year, and began again this spring, for a solemn observance in front of 1501 W. Howett St.

They not only remembered the father of two whose life was cut short behind that house April 9, 2013 — they also prayed and pleaded for someone with information that could solve the case to come forward.

The prayers continue.

Thomas, who was 25 when he was shot multiple times in the head amid a spasm of street violence that also claimed one other life in the span of a few days, is the subject of a cold case review this month by investigators with the Peoria Police Department and Greater Peoria Area CrimeStoppers.

“He was executed in an alley, and that’s no way for any life to end,” said Det. Shawn Curry. “The person who is responsible must be brought to justice.”

Thomas’ body was found in the early morning hours of April 9, 2013, in the alley off the odd side of the 1500 block of West Howett Street, but the story of the violence that led to his death started two days earlier.

Witnesses told police Thomas and others were involved in a daytime fight in the street two days earlier near the intersection of Butler and Warren streets. The brawl drew a crowd from a nearby barbecue.

As the number of onlookers grew, someone emerged from a neighboring home with an assault rifle and fired into the crowd. TreyShawn Blakely, 17, was killed. A second teenager also was hit, but survived. Arrested in connection with that death were brothers Michael and Marquis Costic.

Police have targeted one of the men involved in that initial fight, Allen Fitzpatrick, for his long-term involvement in gangs and street violence. He also has been connected to another cold case: that of Robbin Underwood, who was shot and killed in 2006 in the West Bluff.

Fitzpatrick was charged with murder in connection with her death in July. He also pleaded guilty last month to federal drug trafficking conspiracy charges and faces up to 20 years behind bars.

But Thomas’ family has no such closure. Instead, they have gathered around a sign memorializing Thomas in front of the home asking for anyone with information to come forward — with no answers yet.

_____

CrimeStoppers tips

■ If you’re calling in a tip to CrimeStoppers, be sure to be as specific as possible with the information you know and how you know it.

■ The more detail that is provided, the more likely that the tip could lead to resolution of a case. Tips can be called in to CrimeStoppers at 673-9000 or by text to 274637 with “tips731” at the beginning of the message.

_____

Matt Buedel can be reached at 686-3154 or mbuedel@pjstar.com. Follow him on Twitter @JournoBuedel.